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The Judicial Service Examination is one of the toughest examinations in the country. Every year thousands of aspirants take the exam but only a few get to realise their dream of reaching “The Chair”. Hence, it is only human to be intimated by the examination during your preparation. However, extreme stress, anxiety and fear regarding the examination process may seriously jeopardise your performance.
In this blog, Team Edzorb seeks to explain the causes underlying exam anxiety and seeks to empower you with tips and strategies to overcome the same.
Do you get Choked by the Examination Pressure?
Choking under pressure is a phenomenon where an individual who is skilled and experienced in a particular task or activity, performs poorly or fails to perform at all when placed in a high-pressure situation, such as a competition or a high-stakes exam. This can occur even though the individual has previously performed the task successfully in a lower-stress environment.
The term “choking” is used to describe this phenomenon because it is often compared to the physical sensation of choking, where the individual feels a constriction in their throat and experiences difficulty breathing.
Choking under pressure is often caused by anxiety and stress, which can interfere with an individual’s ability to focus and perform well.
For Judiciary aspirants, it is normal to choke under pressure and to underperform on the day of the exam. The pressure to perform, fear of failure, and the high stakes of the situation can all contribute to increased anxiety and stress. It is therefore important to understand these emotions to know how to handle them
Understanding Exam Anxiety
Exam anxiety, also known as test anxiety, is a type of psychological condition that arises when an individual experiences excessive worry, nervousness, and fear in anticipation of or during an exam or any other evaluative situation. This can manifest as physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, racing heart, and upset stomach, as well as cognitive symptoms such as negative self-talk, difficulty concentrating, and fear of failure. It can involve a range of physiological, cognitive, and behavioural responses that can be influenced by a range of psychological, physiological, and environmental factors
Exam anxiety can be caused by various factors, including:
Feeling like the exam is extremely important and that one’s future success depends on the outcome can contribute to exam anxiety.
Not feeling adequately prepared or having a fear of being underprepared for the exam can contribute to anxiety.
A tendency to set extremely high standards for oneself and to perceive anything less than perfect as a failure can lead to anxiety.
The internal dialogue that is self-deprecating or critical can contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Previous bad experiences with exams or evaluative situations can contribute to anxiety and fear.
It is important to note that while some level of anxiety can be normal and even helpful in motivating an individual to prepare and perform well, excessive anxiety can be detrimental to performance and overall well-being.
Managing Exam Anxiety
Letting your exam anxiety come in the way of you and your judiciary dream can lead to disastrous results. It is therefore pertinent to manage your exam anxiety.
There are various strategies that can be used to manage exam anxiety. Here are some suggestions:
One of the most effective ways to reduce exam anxiety is to prepare thoroughly for the exam. This includes creating a study schedule, organising study materials, and reviewing the material regularly.
Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualisation can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
Exam anxiety can often be fueled by negative self-talk, such as “I’m going to fail” or “I’m not good enough”. It is important to challenge these thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic thoughts.
Talking to friends, family members, or a mental health professional can provide support and perspective. Supportive individuals can offer encouragement and help to alleviate feelings of isolation and stress.
Getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Repeating positive affirmations such as “I am prepared for this exam” or “I am capable of doing well” can help to boost confidence and reduce anxiety.
Remember, managing exam anxiety is a process, and it may take time to find what works best for you. It is important to be patient and kind to yourself, and to seek help if you are struggling to manage your anxiety.
In conclusion, the most important aspect of managing exam anxiety is to trust yourself and your preparation. While hard work is inevitable, Edzorb law with its notes, visual learning tools and mentor support can surely smoothen the process for you.
Believe in yourself and you will surely find Edzorb by your side !!
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